When flying, many passengers assume the atmosphere in the cabin is the same as the atmosphere on the ground. After all, you can breathe normally and there’s really no noticeable difference other than dryness (cabin air has low humidity). Airplane … Continue reading →

Airplanes are equipped with a variety of lights. In addition to anti-collision lights, there are landing lights. From small private jets to large commercial airliners, they are found on most airplanes. Here’s everything you need to know about landing lights. … Continue reading →

Tape isn’t used strictly for holding paper or lightweight objects to walls. There are certain types of tape that are designed for special uses. Pinstriping tape, for instance, is commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Like standard tape, … Continue reading →

If you regularly drill into workpieces, you’ve probably experienced a broken bit. You may get halfway finished with a hole, only for the bit to snap in half. Broken bits are frustrating, but there’s usually a reason behind them. By … Continue reading →

Banked turns are a common flight maneuver in the aviation world. When pilots need to change the heading of an airplane, they will perform this maneuver. Airplanes don’t turn like cars and other land-based vehicles. Instead, they “bank.” For a … Continue reading →

Given its strength, you may assume that steel is one of the most common materials used in the construction of airplanes. Depending on the type, it can have a tensile strength of over 150,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), making … Continue reading →

The turboprop is a common type of aircraft engine. Not to be confused with turbofans, it features an air intake, compressor, combustion chamber and propeller. Air from outside the aircraft enters the turbofan via the air intake. The compressor will … Continue reading →

Spring clamps have become a popular alternative to screw or “worm gear” clamps. Like all clamps, they provide a clamping mechanism that applies pressure on an object. Fluid hoses, for instance, often require one or more clamps to prevent leaks. … Continue reading →

Ever wonder how jet engines are initially started? Some airplanes are equipped with an auxiliary power unit. Consisting of a separate battery-powered turbine engine, the auxiliary power unit provides the air and electricity needed to start an airplane’s jet engines. … Continue reading →